Vocal Masterclass Discussion For American Idol Season XIII Top 8 Performance Show: Audition Song Week

This week, the Top 8 will be performing their original audition songs. That’s cute, but I am starting to miss the structured themes of past seasons.

I understand that these generic themes allow the singers to reinforce their distinct artistry and genre preferences but I loved looking forward to specific theme nights, such as the Big Band theme and Songs from the (insert artist) Songbook. These structured themes encouraged the singers to stretch and explore music outside their personal songbook.

With this audition song theme, it makes me wonder if (a) the producers chose it because they were trying to save money on royalty fees for new songs and/or (b) the singers were not proving to be “ready for prime time”.

I suspect it is a blend of both. The ratings are struggling and, except for Jena, Alex and Caleb, so are the singers.

Also, would it be too much to expand the performance time to at least 2 minutes? If The Voice can do this, why not American Idol?

The longer time frame makes for a very satisfying performance. More complete. It allows the singer to ease into the song and more effectively display their vocal ability.

Oh well, that is my rant – for now. I am back from vacation, so Vocal Masterclass articles will resume.

The Top 8 Performance Show begins at 8:00 PM on Fox on Wednesday, April 2nd, followed by the Results Show on Thursday, April 3rd at 9:00 PM.

What say you readers? Are you enjoying these themes? Do you think the performance time should be increased?

About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli.
When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.
Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler.
She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8.
In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman.
In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins.
In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright.
In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins.
Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici

12 Responses to “Vocal Masterclass Discussion For American Idol Season XIII Top 8 Performance Show: Audition Song Week”

I swear I thought this week’s theme was an April Fool’s joke when I heard about it!

Some of the theme’s in past years were pretty awful, but pretending to have themes when you really aren’t is NOT an improvement. There has to be a reasonable middle ground, where the contestants are stretched, but not blindsided!

Maybe this is an opportunity for contestants to sing an original song … if they did one in the auditions. WARNING: Conspiracy theory ahead. I think they planned on Jessica Meuse to be a lot stronger. It could be they want her to do her original “Blue Eyed Lie” to propel her back to contender status. Did anyone else in this group do an original?

Actually, I enjoyed tonight’s performances more than earlier weeks’ performances. Alex sang an original song too, I think.

I was quite surprised by Dexter. I thought he did a nice job with his song tonight. I honestly did not hear CJ because he was cut off by a special report by FOX news. And, although I thought most were better, no one blew me away, so I don’t have a favorite of the night.

Yes, Alex sang a song of his own, too–I thought it was much the better of the two originals, and I think you can see real progress in his performance skills, he’s really pushing himself on that side. He still needs vocal training, and if he’s as smart as he seems to be, he’ll get it once the show is over. His duet worked well, too.

I was actually more impressed by Harry Connick Jr. more than any of the performers last night–I just love that he keeps trying to find new ways to give the same advice, in the hopes that if he finally puts it in a way they’ll understand it they’ll apply it! Very specific suggestions, too, pinpointing each performer’s weak (and/or strong) points. He’s a good teacher, Harry is.

i too, did not hear cj because fox had to break in and tell us about another shooting. 😦 i was so concerned that cj wouldn’t get as many votes and had the chance of going home because people didn’t hear him. and idol didn’t have the review of the singing in the end like they usually do. anyway, i am comfortable with the results. and i loved hearing daughtry.